Less than zero Three years ago, Russell Freeland had what most would consider a settled life. Just two years later, though, Freeland was hungry, exhausted, and homeless, trying to survive in Austin, Texas.

Rogue wave These days, younger, wiser bands simply don't bat their eyelashes at the majors like they used to.

Things fall apart As hipster, electronic, indie-rock, and rap cultures converge, MCs are taking cues from their other-genre contemporaries who rely on everything from stage props and antics to self-mutilation in the quest to entertain.

Less than zero Three years ago, Russell Freeland had what most would consider a settled life. Just two years later, though, Freeland was hungry, exhausted, and homeless, trying to survive in Austin, Texas.

Rogue wave These days, younger, wiser bands simply don't bat their eyelashes at the majors like they used to.

Things fall apart As hipster, electronic, indie-rock, and rap cultures converge, MCs are taking cues from their other-genre contemporaries who rely on everything from stage props and antics to self-mutilation in the quest to entertain.

SXSW 2010: Hare band By 7 pm on day three of South by Southwest, Bad Rabbits bassist Graham had flashed his naked ass in the crossroads of two thriving, alcohol-drenched Austin arteries.